MESA, AZ (CBS5) -
The national spotlight is on Mesa.
The final four Republican presidential candidates will take center stage Wednesday night for a high stakes debate that could reshape the race for the White House.
The debate is hosted by CNN and will take place at the Mesa Arts Center.
CNN Debate Producer Sam Feist said the candidates will be sitting down instead of standing at podiums.
"When you have four candidates, you really are in position to have them sit at a table in a more intimate setting," said Feist. "We thought it was the right time to do it."
A CNN official said that more than 300 media credentials have been issued for the GOP presidential debate, with reporters here from around the world.
However, you don't need a media credential to take part in the political festivities.
The city of Mesa has set up a big-screen TV on Main Street so folks can watch the debate like it was the Super Bowl.
"These are presidential candidates coming to our city," said Karri Ray. " You want to be a part of that."
CBS News national reporter Danielle Nottingham has covered a number of presidential debates, and said by far, this is the most important.
"I expect it to be very heated," Nottingham said. "Right now they are coming to a point where each candidate has to set himself apart."
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